Unlike Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition more often seen in children, Type 2 diabetes develops over time and is linked to obesity.
Now, the CDC states on its website, "about one-third of American youth are overweight, a problem closely related to the increase in kids with type 2 diabetes, some as young as 10 years old."
Of the 5,786 kids and young adults in the study, prediabetes was seen more often in boys than girls.
Why is this important? According to the study authors:
“Individuals with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. The incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the US adolescent population have increased in the last decade.”
The authors said their study highlights “the need for primary and secondary prevention efforts (diet and exercise) tailored to the young segment of the US population.”
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